A quality exhaust system boosts performance and efficiency.
Few things are quite as unpleasant as an overly bouncy pickup truck heading down a bumpy road.
This is particularly troublesome if you decide to go off-roading or to take a rough road without a load in the truck bed.
Poor-quality shocks don’t absorb the energy from road bumps and other hazards fast enough, and that’s what gives you that extra-bouncy ride.
This issue only gets worse over time as the shocks wear.
That’s why it’s so important to invest in quality shock absorbers for your truck.
The right set will last a long time and give you a smoother ride experience.
But, you will indeed find a ton of products from different brands.
The question is, which is the best shock for your need? It is a tough and time-consuming question to answer.
I made your life easier and listed in the below infographic some key points to keep in mind when selecting a shock for your Silverado truck
I’ve detailed a buyer’s guide below that explains these features you have to look for in your shocks, and how to select a shock absorber that’s going to work for your specific needs.
If you are already curious about the models available, I have selected and reviewed for you the best shocks for Silverado in a follow-up article.
Make sure also to read it before making your final choice!
Shocks for Chevy Silverado – Buyer’s Guide
Selecting the best shocks for your truck isn’t a simple task and making the right decision requires some research.
This guide looks at the major considerations you should make when purchasing shocks for your vehicle.
It makes no difference whether you want adjustable shocks, or dependable shocks for basic everyday driving, understanding what makes a shock good will help you make the right investment for your vehicle.
Choosing the Right Type
The most important step to go through when selecting replacement shocks for your trucks is to decide on the type of shocks you’ll use.
The four main types to consider are twin-tube, monotube, reservoir, and coil-over. Each option is viable, but there’s one that’s best for every application.
- Chevy owners looking for front and rear shocks for basic everyday driving can do fine with twin-tube shocks. They’re affordable and handle standard road conditions, light towing, and basic hauling just fine.
- For serious off-roading tasks, both reservoir and monotube shocks are a more robust and reliable option. If you’re considering monotube shocks it’s important to look for a gas charged option that will perform at an even higher level. Also, consider the bore size of any shock you’re considering. A larger bore size will be able to handle more weight and more extreme bumps on the trails.
- For truck owners that plan on hauling and towing heavy loads regularly, like while driving a 2500HD, it’s often best to use coil-over shocks that support heavy loads better and offer more adjustability to the truck owner. The coil springs wrapped around the shock center offer additional weight-support, and high-quality coil-overs are equipped with massive springs for serious weight-bearing capabilities.
Think about what you’ll use your truck or, and choose shocks that will give you the performance you want. This could mean getting a high-end product like a Bilstein 4600, or it could mean going for a budget-friendly option that will meet your needs just as well for more casual use.
Durability
While searching for the best shocks for the Silverado 2500 HD, or any model of Chevrolet Silverado really, durability should be the number one consideration.
Durability is much more important than price because you can often spend just a small amount more for shocks that last significantly longer.
When choosing a product look at the shock boots, consider the performance offered, read through customer reviews, and choose new shocks that you think will give you the performance you want over time once the install is complete.
Consider the Price
It’s important to think about the cost of any potential rear and front shocks before making a purchase.
While it isn’t necessary to spend the most money to get the best shocks, it’s important to avoid choosing the lowest-cost product on the market too.
Instead, look for a set of shocks that are built well, that comes with a warranty and that is a reasonable price too.
You’ll feel better about spending a little more when you’re hauling around heavy loads that depend on your shocks.
Always consider quality while comparing prices, and choose the product that looks like it will do everything you need it to overtime, without costing you too much in the process.
OEM Licensing
It’s a good practice to look for shocks that are OEM licensed. OEM stands for Original Equipment Manufacturer and refers to the manufacturer of the original equipment.
These shocks come from a dependable manufacturer and they often come with a limited lifetime warranty as well.
Most buyers will look for OEM licensed brands first because they have been tested for their compatibility and durability and they tend to be the most reliable option.
It’s fine to go with a non-OEM aftermarket product as well, but be sure it is from a trustworthy company such as Bilstein shocks so you still enjoy the long-term performance, effective engineering, and reliability.
Use Sound to Judge Shocks
One of the best ways to tell if you have a quality set of shocks is by how they sound over time.
Well-made front shocks and rear shocks are built with robust construction, thick oil seals, and reliable piston rods that won’t wear quickly.
As long as your shocks aren’t worn out, they will support heavy loads without making a noticeable sound.
If you want a quiet ride, even when going over bumps, invest in shocks built from durable materials and a design that’s meant to last over the long term.
By keeping these considerations in mind, you’ll select the best shocks for your vehicle, and enjoy a long-term performance at a reasonable price.
I’ve assembled a list of some of the top Chevy Silverado shocks available for purchase today for your consideration.
Use the list to help you decide on the right shocks for your ride, or to help you see quality options so you can judge other products in the future.
Not ready yet to make a selection? No problem, just keep on reading the Frequently asked questions that come next
Silverado shocks – Frequently Asked Questions
Final words
Hopefully, you now have a decent understanding of what sets quality shocks apart from low-quality options.
I assembled this guide to show you some high-quality options for your truck and help you research shocks yourself and know what to look for.
The natural next step for you is now to review our selection of the 10 best shocks for your silverado.
Enjoy your improved ride quality and enhanced performance when you upgrade your pickup truck.